Chile won the Tasman Rugby Union’s U17 Schools Championship in New Zealand. Arikan player Amaru Espinoza, who has been in the Sealands since the end of April, has been enjoying a great rugby experience with Nelson College.
Nelson College ‘Cambridge’ U17 won their finals 26-24 and 10-0 against namesakes ‘Kahurangi’ and ‘Oxford’ respectively. In the last clash of the Triangular TOP 4, they lost 29-19 to Marlborough Boys College ‘Blue’, but the team was generally the best team in the tournament and that’s why they were crowned the champions of the tournament.
“It all started when my dad returned to rugby after many years in a sevens tournament,” said Amaru Oval of his first contact with the sport. Later, when he was 8 years old, in the company of his older brother, he started playing rugby; “Since then, I haven’t separated myself from rugby,” he said.
For Espinosa, playing in New Zealand was “a big step towards what I wanted to achieve and it made me happy. “I feel very lucky for the opportunity.” The opportunity to adapt to the new pace of life in Chile: “The language was a big challenge (…) In addition, the climate Very different from Arica; Although I felt better mentally, my body had to adapt and it was a very difficult thing.
As for rugby, Espinosa notes that it was a pleasant experience with very friendly people, although “when I came from Chile, some people doubted that I played rugby, and many considered me ‘strange’ because they had never heard of it. Chili”.
It is noteworthy that Amaru has been recovering from a shoulder injury for over a year, which has not prevented him from continuing to train with the team. “It was difficult for me to adapt. Even if I was able to get back into the game, I still have to improve in coping, especially since the surgery is holding me back a bit mentally. But I’m already close to 100%.
Regarding his future, Amaru says “I don’t know what’s next for me. I have to go back to Chile in September, get 4th grade and in the meantime, learn to train and see what the opportunities are”, although this doesn’t close the door to a new period in New Zealand: “If I’m offered to return Opportunity “I will do it without hesitation.”
“Have goals because everyone has dreams. If you’re struggling or scared, create a version for yourself. “Success is not about age, but about the desire and persistence you put into it,” Ariqueño concluded.
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